Mighty Ships Sets Sail for Fifth Series

News on News Exclusive:

The fifth season of Discovery Canada's critically acclaimed Mighty Ships series has set sail with the season premiere on board with the passengers and crew of the Norwegian Epic.

News on News had a chat with Executive Producer Karen McCairley about the series, and how Mighty Ships is produced, especially on board such a big ship such as the Norwegian Epic.

In the premiere show of season five, a crew of 11 spead over 2 camera crews was used on board the Norwegian epic, who remained on board the vessel as it set sail from Miami for a 7 day tour of the southern Carribean.

In the show's own words; "She's not even a year old and already has a party reputation. With name-brand entertainment, more than twenty bars and restaurants, and hot pool decks that transform into even hotter nightclubs, Norwegian Epic is a billion-dollar showboat."

Karen, who is originally from a former shipbuilding city, Glasgow in Scotland, explained the in's and out's of the ship, and the reason's why such a large production crew was required.  Her explanation of the true size of the bridge, which can't be truly experienced from the show, was considerably insightful.

The show, which is billed as a factual documentary, uses a unique style of 'fly-on-the-wall' type production, but still keeping the ethics of fact all the way through.  Facts and figures really drive this series, which was mind-blowingly evident when the ship staffer responsible for ordering food, explained in accurate numbers, how much of any item thrown at him would be needed for the voyage.  Here's a couple of facts from the show to whet the appetite; a 10,000-square-meter spa, 250-meter long waterslide and a pool deck the size of a city block!

The show also shows a very human element.  Passengers missing as the ship is about to set sail, to the entertainments manager explaining how he only gets to see his young family once a week for 4 hours whilst in port in Miami.

The show is so well produced infact, that it is with almost certainty that I can say this show could be 90 minutes in duration and would still have you hooked.

Karen explained to me the shows rise to fame across the globe, with exceptional performance on Chnnel 7 in Australia, and wide distribution throughout Europe.

I asked Karen whether she could resist the temptation of another series of complimentary cruises around some of the most exotic parts of the world, on some of the biggest and best cruiseliners, and fascinating vessels, and the answer? No, she couldn't, series six has already commenced production and will air Summer 2012!

Mighty Ships is produced by Exploration Productions Inc, a division of Discovery Canada, and airs on the Discovery Channel (Canada) Wednesday's at 8pm ET.  Further details of the show, including video clips (Canadian users only) can be seen at www.discoverychannel.ca

The fourth series of Mighty Ships begins in the UK on Discovery's Quest on August 2nd 2011.